Hiram welcomed alumni back to campus for Alumni Weekend 2023

William was nominated by fellow alumnus, Marshall Dun ’65 who writes, “Dr. Heath is an exceptional novelist, historian, poet, and professor who has distinguished himself throughout his long and illustrious career. I can’t imagine a much more deserving nominee for the Lifetime Achievement Award.”

William received his master’s and doctoral degrees in American studies from Case Western Reserve University. He taught American literature and creative writing at prestigious colleges and universities and was a Fulbright professor. Additionally, William has published three poetry books, The Walking Man, Steel Valley Elegy, and Going Places; a chapbook, Night Moves in Ohio; three novels, The Children Bob Moses Led (winner of the Hackney Award), Devil Dancer, and Blacksnake’s Path; a work of history, William Wells and the Struggle for the Old Northwest (winner of two Spur Awards and the Oliver Hazard Perry Award); and a collection of interviews, Conversations with Robert Stone. Over three hundred of his poems have appeared in literary magazines, reviews, and anthologies.

Tanya was nominated by AEB member, Patricia Darby Marbury ’77, who noted Tanya’s years of organizing social gatherings and outings for the alumni of the Alliance for Black Consciousness and the Black Student Union. Tanya has been instrumental in keeping her classmates together and she coordinates and provides informative forums such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Black History Month, Juneteenth, job and educational opportunities, as well as mental health and wellness awareness. Tanya is also a recipient of the Leadership & Excellence Award with the Reach Program, Excellence in School Writing Power of the Pen Award, and Outstanding Volunteerism with Shoes and Clothes for Kids.

Denny and Lucy have almost solely been responsible for designing and maintaining many gardens on campus, especially the Hurd Garden. They have involved students for summer employment and internships, community members, and faculty and staff.

Lucy has loved gardens her whole life, having been featured in a 1975 edition of the Cleveland Plain Dealer about “dorm gardens” at Hiram, hinting at her future career as a horticulturist and botanist. After graduating from Hiram, Lucy earned her master’s degree in landscape ecology, design, and maintenance from the University of London’s Wye College. Lucy has extensive field experience working with design professionals on landscape projects large and small in geographically diverse locations.

After graduating from Hiram College, Denny continued his education at Cornell University, where he earned a doctorate in ecology. He returned to the College in 1979 and taught biology for many years. Denny retired in 2021 and was the recipient of the JJ Turner Award in 2020. He has presented his research within the United States and internationally in Malaysia, India, and Pakistan. Denny also volunteers with the Hiram Public Gardens, serves as president of the Hiram Historical Society, and was inducted into the Garfield Society of Hiram College in 1997.